Athens travel tips you need to know before you go

What should I do on my first trip to Athens?

This one is pretty obvious, but no one should miss the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. It's truly fascinating, and there is more to it than the Parthenon and Erechtheion. Choose a guided tour that will help you discover even more about this ancient citadel.

What are some hidden gems to see in Athens?

Besides the Acropolis and the other five well-known ancient sites, many ruins are dotted about the city. One of my favorites is the view of the Tower of the Winds. Just beyond the Roman Agora is a doorway that was once the entrance to an Ottoman-era theological school and then a prison. Very little of Ottoman Athens survives today — as much of it was destroyed deliberately, like the mosque on the Acropolis — so little remnants like these add a lot to the story of Athens.

How much time should I spend in Athens?

Most people come to Athens to see the ancient sites and three or four days is enough time to see most of them and take a day trip to Delphi or spend an afternoon in Sounion to watch the sunset. If you can, add a day or two to your trip to explore beyond the historical center of Athens. Each neighborhood has a unique character — visit the Central Varvakios Market in Psirri or search for street art in Exarchia.

What food is Athens known for?

Athens has fantastic street food. Gyros and souvlaki, either with meat or halloumi, are my go-to choices while exploring the city on foot. Add a good tzatziki sauce to either and you have food heaven in your hands. As many of the historical attractions are in the Monastiraki and Plaka areas, many restaurants cater to the tourist crowds; Psyri on a food walking tour of Athens and it's a much better area to eat in. Besides the central market area, you'll find some great restaurants, bars, and cafes filled with Athenians and a few visitors.

What are the best months to visit Athens?

My favorite times of the year are the beginning of May and the beginning of October. The city is gearing up for summer in May, but the crowds have yet to arrive, and the Jacaranda trees are in bloom. In October, the summer crowds have left, and the heat has died down, but it's still warm and pleasant.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Athens?

There is a good choice of accommodation in most areas of the city to suit all budgets, but I keep returning to central Athens as all the main attractions are easy to get around by foot, and nothing beats a hotel with a view of the Acropolis.

What are the best areas for outdoor activities around Athens?

Athens has several green spaces perfect for hikers and outdoorsy types, all with spectacular views. Closer to the city center, Filopappou Hill is a vast area with many walking routes through ancient ruins. Lycabettus Hill is the tallest of Athens' seven hills and is worth the climb too.

What are the best beaches around Athens?

The most popular beaches within easy reach of Athens are in the Kavouri-Vouliagmeni area. There are also sandy beaches along the coast between the Port of Piraeus and Cape Sounion, which get nicer the farther from the port you go. Nothing beats swimming in the clear blue water below the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion.

What Athens travel tips do you give to everyone who visits?

• Time your Acropolis visit towards the end of the day — it's cooler, the light is better, and there are fewer people.
• Take a day trip — plan to stay more than a few days in Athens, and use one day to get out of the city. Delphi is my favorite, but Corinth, Meteora, and Cape Sounion are also great choices.
• Get an Athens Museums combo ticket — this allows you to see the best archaeological sites and the best museums at a reduced price.
• Eat outside the historic center — the best food and restaurants and Athens are in the neighborhoods away from the busy tourist areas.

What are your top 5 favorite GetYourGuide experiences in Athens?

• Athens: Alternative Walking Tour
• Athens: Street Food Tasting Tour
• Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon, & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
• Athens: Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon Sunset Tour
• Athens: Wine Tasting with a Sommelier under the Acropolis

What should people avoid doing in Athens?

My advice is to avoid the hop-on hop-off buses. The centre of Athens is a great city to walk around, and the more distant parts of greater Athens, such as the port at Piraeus or the Athens Riviera, are served by good public transport links.